The Significance of Ignorance and Want in Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'

In Charles Dickens' timeless classic, 'A Christmas Carol,' the characters Ignorance and Want hold profound implications for the narrative and its societal critique. These two figures, explicitly described as dangerous by the Ghost of Christmas Present, represent the very real and threatening aspects of societal neglect and the relentless cycle of poverty and ignorance.

A Stark Contrast to Plenty

The names 'Ignorance' and 'Want' paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities these characters symbolize. They are explicitly described as dangerous, starkly contrasting the theme of abundance that the Ghost of Christmas Present signifies. This stark contrast serves to highlight the severe consequences of societal negligence towards the underprivileged.

According to Robert Bidderman in his analysis, Dickens is addressing a society that has created these dire circumstances through its mistreatment of the underclass. The Ghost's ominous remark about Doom on the boy's forehead underscores the grave threat these conditions pose to broader society. The implication is that the status quo must change, and prisons or workhouses alone cannot be the solution to the endemic problems of poverty and lack of education.

Historical Context

The names 'Ignorance' and 'Want' resonate strongly in the context of the infamous 'Hungry Forties.' During this period, the British working class faced extreme poverty, and the names directly reflect the societal challenges of the time. The ragged boy and girl embody what happens when society fails to provide for the needs of its populace, particularly the children who are the future of any society.

In historical terms, these characters are the twin enemies of mankind, symbolizing the destructive forces that arise from ignorance and want. While both are dangerous, Bidderman argues that 'Ignorance' is the more pernicious of the two, as an uneducated populace is perpetually marginalized and consigned to a hand-to-mouth existence. This lack of education leads to a lack of personal fulfillment and perpetuates a cycle of poverty that is hard to break.

Charity and Resolution

The Ghost of Christmas Present suggests that these dangers are not inevitable and can be diminished with proper societal intervention. During the Christmas season, a bit more kindness is shown, but in general, human selfishness allows poverty, want, and the lack of education, including the development of empathy, to prevail. This, in turn, makes people desperate and dangerous.

Data from social welfare studies show that higher levels of education and empathy can reduce poverty and its associated ills. If the wider community shows more charity by supporting those in need, it can lead to a more compassionate and safer society. If 'Ignorance' and 'Want' are addressed, the world becomes a kinder and safer place for everyone, as the Ghost of Christmas Present explicitly emphasizes.

Conclusion

The passage from 'A Christmas Carol' reads: "This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both and all of their degree but most of all beware this boy for on his brow I see that is Doom." This statement underscores the severity of the problem and the urgency of addressing it. The imagery of 'Doom' on the boy's forehead is a chilling reminder of the dire consequences of ignorance and want.

Deleting the names 'Ignorance' and 'Want' from the story would diminish its power and impact. These characters are not mere metaphors but concrete symbols of the real and pressing issues faced by society. By recognizing and addressing these issues, we can work towards a better future for all, ensuring that the legacy of 'A Christmas Carol' continues to inspire and educate.